What Door Handle Replacement Will Be Your Next Big Obsession Door Handle Replacement

Door handles may seem like a small detail but if you aren't happy with the style or design of them, or find them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. With a bit of patience, you can install a new handle in no time.

Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws to create a stylish appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't already have them.

Remove the old Handle

The door handle is not only a decoration for your home it also serves as an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. However, as time passes your door handle can lose its grip, feel loose or start to look old and worn. window handles repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is a good indication that it's time to replace the door handle.


One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem since you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door which could put your family and yourself at risk.

It is also recommended to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly if your children or elderly family members struggle to open it, and get trapped in the. It's easy to replace a broken handle on the door.

The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and so they should fit any door. If you're unsure if the new door handle you're buying will work, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will allow you to purchase the right size door handle.

It is easiest to remove the old door handle by removing it from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. Some door handles come with an enclosure plate that hides the mounting screws. You'll need to remove it to get to the screws. Once you have removed the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is positioned to ensure that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one.

You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. But, you'll have to locate the tiny latch which is located on the edge cut piece. Once you've removed the latch, you'll need to take the handle off the strike plate, and then remove the latch off the door's edge.

Remove the Strike Plate

When replacing the handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the diagram above which illustrates the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it over to the round one, so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to use.

The first step is to remove the screw holding the latch plate. These screws can be quite tight, and may require some force to loosen. If you can, it might be beneficial to have another person assist with this part.

The latch plate should come out of the door once the screws have been removed. If it's stuck or won't move then use a small nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes open the plate up.

You can now move on to creating the new door strike plate to be installed. Attach the latch plate to the door jamb using the screws that were included with the new handles. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this may cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and then open the door to check whether it locks and closes correctly. If it does not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.

If the door is moving or jiggling, then you may need to increase the size of the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't shallow, the wrong size latch, or a damaged strike plate. If this is the situation you can use a metal file instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.

Remove the Latch

The latch is the metal piece that is angled that is able to move through the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks into a hole in the frame of the door to keep the door closed. If your door shakes when you close it, a new latch may be all you need to correct the issue.

The screws that support the door latch are difficult to see, but you can usually put a screwdriver in a small hole in the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After taking off the trim plate you will be able to pull off the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle that holds it.

If the latch isn't easily removed then use a paperclip tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch begin to separate. It may take this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to pull out.

You should be able slide the new latch into its slot without issues once you have removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.

Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the centre of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. You should also check that the latch size on the new handle is a good match to this measurement.

If you are replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder is damaged, then you'll require an entirely new one. If you're not switching locks the new lock will fit into your existing recess and also work with the keys you have already. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.

Remove the cover plate

Door handles may begin to look shabby over time However, if you replace them with a modern lever on rose design it's a simple and quick DIY and decorating project that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets of escutcheons, the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.

To replace an internal door handle, remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Look for an opening tab on the plate, and employ a flathead screwdriver pop it off the knob. It could have a slot on one edge or be secured by a pin.

Remove the screw holding the handle in the interior and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. You'll also want to take out the screws that hold the latch and plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them with a Philips screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away.

Not all doors have this gap. If yours does not, you will need to drill a new hole into the door. This is the same procedure as opening a locked door however, you'll have to be extra cautious not to harm the frame or door.

The installation of new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been drilled. Choose the same size as your old screws to ensure that you don't get a handle that is too loose or tight. You'll also need to install an additional latch plate and strike rod that aren't part of the majority of door handle sets.

If you're looking for a high-quality replacement set of interior door handles, try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It is a factory-fit and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews. It's an excellent option to replace worn or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.

This user has nothing created or favorited (yet).